Burnley’s Charlie Taylor thinks his side have shown they are among the best defences in the Premier League after a strong showing since the turn of the year.

Taylor and his Burnley team mates have kept four clean sheets since their 5-1 humbling at the hands of tonight’s opponents, Everton.

Burnley have ensured survival for another season, and the left back believes the Clarets knowing their destiny was in their own hands was a big factor.

“I don’t know what the stats say – we’ve not seen them, but since then we’ve been good, and we’ve kept more clean sheets in the second half of the season than we did the first,” said Taylor.

“We’ve not leaked as many goals. Our form is up there with the best since Christmas.

“We do pride ourselves on defending from the back and being solid. The first half of the season and Everton was a shock.

“Knowing our destiny was in our own hands and personnel coming in. I think the fact that if things didn’t change we’d be looking at going down.”

The former Leeds full back says he has benefited from regular first team football, an ever-present in the Premier League so far.

“This season I’ve improved a lot, I was saying it before that you’re playing against world class players every week so you’re learning on the job,” Taylor added.

“Every right winger seems to be their team’s best player these days so it’s hard to be the full back. It’s the best league in the world with the best so you’re learning every week.

“I’ve played every week, which as a player that’s all you want to do – you just want to play every week. I’ve experienced a lot with Europe. For me, it’s been my best season.

“The step up is huge. You can’t make mistakes in this league because they get punished. In the Championship you can switch off and get away with it.

“In this league, the standard is that high and the players are that good, you can’t make mistakes or switch off.”

Taylor had to be patient for opportunities last season, behind Stephen Ward, but believes last season’s frustration has helped him this term.

“It was hard to come straight in and play every week. You see it with the new clubs who have come up – a lot struggle,” said Taylor.

“Last season was a frustrating one, I wanted to play but, looking back it was good to just have a few games and crack on this season.

“You do get a bit down and frustrated, but you’ve got to look at the bigger picture and keep your mind on it. To be honest, I had no complaints about last season, Wardy was brilliant so I couldn’t really complain.”